Retaining device for securing an article in a pocket

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a retaining device for securing an article such as a mobile computing device or the like, in a pocket of a garment or bag, and methods of using the same. The retaining device may have a pocket post, a hook, and a clip, and may be operable to be easily inserted into the pocket via the leading member, attach to the pocket via the clip, and hold the article in the pocket via the hook.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a retaining device for securing an article in place. More specifically, the present invention relates to a retaining device for securing a mobile device or other article in the pocket of a garment or a bag, and methods of using the same.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

Mobile devices have become ubiquitous in today's society, and whenever they are not being carried in hand, they are carried in a pocket of a user's clothing or bag at virtually all times. Mobile devices are also being used for an ever-increasing number of activities and purposes, both while at work and in private life, with users pulling the device out for one reason or another constantly throughout the day. Because of this reality, users often store their devices in whichever pocket of their clothing or bag is easiest to quickly and repeatedly access, preferably with one hand and without devoting much thought to the movement, such as the breast pocket of a shirt or jacket, or the outer pocket of a purse.

Because the pocket must be easily accessible, it is therefore often loose and if there is an element for keeping it closed (e.g., a zipper or clasp), that element is often not used or not usable due to the size of the mobile device, allowing the mobile device to fall out if the user is bending over or moving hurriedly. Unfortunately, as many mobile computing device users have found, dropping the device onto the ground or into a wet or otherwise unhospitable environment can lead to significant costs for repair or replacement, as well as time and effort to reestablish the user's contacts, applications, and preferences on the new or repaired device.

Therefore, what is needed is a device for securing a mobile device or other article against falling out of a pocket of a garment or bag, the device being inexpensive and easy to use with one hand, without a complicated method of engagement with the pocket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a retaining device for securing an article (e.g., a mobile device, a wallet a notebook, or the like) in a pocket of a garment or bag (e.g., a patch pocket, a welt pocket, a flap pocket, an insert pocket, or various other types of pockets), and methods of using the same. The apparatus may comprise a pocket post, a hook, and a clip that applies to sufficient pressure on the fabric of the pocket to hold an article of significant weight (e.g., a smart phone) in the pocket even when the pocket and article are inverted. The retaining device may include multiple clamping elements on the clip to apply sufficient pressure and friction on the fabric of the pocket to hold in a mobile computing device (e.g., a smart phone, small tablet or phablet, or other device of similar weight) through vigorous movement, inversion, and other conditions that would typically cause such a mobile device to fall or otherwise leave the pocket.

The retaining device may be operable to be easily inserted into a pocket via the pocket post, the pocket post having a shape and length which is beneficial for guiding the retaining device into a pocket between the article and the lip of the pocket. The pocket post may be rigid, such that it may be used to pull the lip of the pocket outward for easier insertion, and to flatten out any folds in the material of the outer layer of the pocket (the “pocket facing”) as the distal edge of the pocket post is pushed down into the pocket, preventing snags. The retaining device may thus be operable to be inserted between the article and the lip of the pocket, and to be fully inserted into the pocket, with one hand and without the user having to look at or concentrate on the pocket. The mobile computing device may nested in the retaining device prior to inserting both the mobile computing device and the retaining device into the pocket together, or the retaining device may be inserted over the mobile computing device already present in the pocket.

The retaining device may also be easily secured to the pocket via the clip. The clip may have a rounded, beveled, chamfered, or tapered distal end to move past the lip and down over the outer surface of the pocket without snagging. The clip may also include at least one clamp member near the distal end of the clip to provide a clamping force against the pocket post in order to removably secure the retaining device onto the pocket facing. The retaining device may either be clipped onto the pocket after the article has been inserted into the pocket, or may be placed against the article—via the pocket post and/or—the hook before both the article and the retaining device are simultaneously slipped into the pocket, with the clip sliding over the lip of the pocket.

The retaining device may easily engage with a mobile computing device or a variety of other differently shaped articles (e.g., wallets, notebooks, cards, checkbooks, and the like) to be secured in the pocket via a retainer or hook, which may be located at the upper end of the pocket post and extend oppositely from the clip (e.g., toward the chest of the user). The shape of the retainer or hook may be a substantially flat structure that protrudes from the pocket post designed to sit over the article, or it may have a hook-like structure having a curved or angled distal end. The retainer or hook may be broadly complementary to the shape of an edge of the variety of articles which a user may want to secure in his or her pocket, being operable to securely engage and prevent the articles from falling out of the pocket. The retaining device may even be used to secure multiple articles in the pocket at once, the plurality of articles all being secured under the retainer or hook. This may be accomplished via a hook which extends far enough to cover the edges of multiple articles sitting adjacent to each other (e.g., flat against each other) in the pocket. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the retainer or hook may further secure the multiple articles by having a small catch protruding downwardly from a midpoint of the hook, the catch intercalating the upper edges of the multiple articles.

The present invention may provide a retaining device for securing a mobile device or other article in a pocket. The retaining device may comprise a pocket post, a hook, and a clip. The pocket post may comprise a substantially planar body having a first end, a second end, and a length. The planar body of the pocket post may have a polygonal cross-section (e.g., a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, etc.) or a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section. The length of the pocket post may be any length sufficient to provide leverage against a side of the article or an inner surface of the pocket to prevent the retaining device from rotating out of an upturned pocket, but not so long that the retaining device is unable to clip onto the pocket and engage with the article before the article falls out it the pocket is upturned (e.g., a length from approximately 2 inches to approximately 7 inches, and preferably from approximately 4 inches to approximately 6 inches). In some embodiments, and without limitation, the length of the pocket post may be approximately equal to a length of the article. In other embodiments, and without limitation, the length of the pocket post may be less than a length of the article, but sufficient to provide leverage against a side of the article or an inner surface of the pocket to prevent the retaining device from rotating out of an upturned pocket. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the pocket post may having nesting or telescoping sections that allow the length of the pocket post to be adjusted to the length of the pocket in which it is to be inserted.

The pocket post may comprise any rigid material strong enough to be inserted into the pocket and pushed past folds or wrinkles in the material of the pocket, and to hold the weight of the article or articles in the pocket. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the pocket post may comprise at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a rubber, fiberglass, carbon fiber, other appropriate rigid materials, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, and without limitation, the first end may comprise a leading edge having a shape conducive for being inserted between an article (e.g., a mobile computing device, a wallet, a notebook, or the like) and the lip of a pocket, or between a proximal surface of pocket (e.g., the material of the shirt against a user's chest) and the lip of the pocket. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the shape of the leading edge may comprise a rounded shape (e.g., an oblong spherical shape or a hemispherical edge), a tapered end, a chamfered edge, and/or a beveled edge. The second end may be located opposite the first end and may comprise the retainer or hook.

In some embodiments, and without limitation, the retainer device may be operable to use a pen or other elongate article in the place of the pocket post. For example, the retainer device may include a retainer or hook connected to a clip, with a connecting bar in between the clip and the retainer or hook, where the connecting bar has a receiver therein for receiving and grasping a proximal or distal end of an elongate object such as a pen, pen light, laser pointer or similarly shaped object that may function as a pocket post. The receiver may be an opening in the connecting bar, which may be lined with a compressible, high friction material, such as a rubber or flexible foam liner that effectively grips the exterior surface of the elongate object. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the retaining device may include a collar that protrudes from the receiver to create more surface area contact with the exterior surface of the elongate object. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the collar may be flexible to allow for some accommodation of variation in the shapes of elongate objects.

The retainer or hook may extend at a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular angle from the pocket post (or elongate object) such that it sits over the retained article. The retainer may have a curved end operable to wrap around the edge of the article to prevent the hook from slipping laterally off of the article. The inner surface of the extension may comprise any shape which is broadly complementary to the shape of the edge of articles which tend to be held in a pocket. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the inner surface of the extension may comprise a flat or planar shape. In other embodiments, and without limitation, the inner surface may comprise a concave shape. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the extension may comprise a medial catch on the inner surface, the medial catch being a downwardly extending tab operable to intercalate the edges of two different articles, and further securing the two articles in place in the pocket. The medial catch may comprise at least one of a substantially flat profile, a pointed profile with straight sides, and a pointed profile with concave sides. In yet other embodiments, and without limitation, the inner surface may comprise a plurality of medial catches spaced along its length for intercalating the edges of multiple articles.

In some embodiments, and without limitation, the hook may be integrally formed with the pocket post (e.g., the second end of the pocket post is bent into a hook shape). In other embodiments, and without limitation, the hook may not be integral with the pocket post, but mechanically attached to the pocket post. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the hook may be attached to the pocket post via at least one of a welding, a soldering, a rivet, a pin, a screw, a clip, a tab and slot, an adhesive, heat fusion, a magnet, or other device or method of mechanically joining parts together.

The hook may comprise at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a rubber, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other similar material. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the hook may comprise the same material as the pocket post. In other embodiments, and without limitation, the hook may comprise a different material from that of the pocket post. The retainer or hook may also include a high-friction material on the inferior side thereof to prevent slippage of the article engaged by the retainer or hook. The high-friction material may be a rubber or rubber foam material.

The clip may comprise a substantially planar body having a clamping end, an attachment end, and a length. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the clip may comprise a slight curvature along its length (e.g., a plane of the distal end may be approximately 1 degree to approximately 10 degrees off from a plane of the proximal end creating a slanted or concave shape on its inner surface). In some embodiments, and without limitation, the clip may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape (e.g., a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, etc.) and a substantially circular, elliptical, or oblong cross-section. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the clip may have a transitioning cross-sectional shape that may comprise a substantially circular, elliptical, or oblong cross-sectional portion and a polygonal cross-sectional section.

The clip includes at least one clamp element on clip having a hemispheric, hemi-ellipsoidal, or other rounded or tapering shape extending from an inner surface of the body of the clip and toward the pocket post. The clamp element may be located at or near the distal end of the clip. The clamp element contacts and provide friction against the outer surface of the pocket to prevent the retaining device from falling out of the pocket. The clip may include two or more clamp elements in order to improve the strength and hold of the clip to allow the retaining device to hold items having substantial weight (such as a large smart phone) even through vigorous movement, inversion, and other conditions that would typically cause the mobile phone to fall or otherwise leave the pocket. A second clamp element may be positioned along the clip at a pre-determined spacing from the distal end of the clip (e.g., about ¼ inch to about 1 inch), in order to allow for at least two distinct contact and pressure points on the material of the pocket to improve the grip and performance of the retaining device. In further embodiments, and without limitation, the retaining device may include three or more clamp elements. In still further embodiments, and without limitation, the retaining device may include an elongated clamp element that runs along a substantial portion of the clip. For example, the elongated clamp element may run from or near the distal end of the clip for about ¼ inch to about 1 inch along the length of the clip.

The length of the clip may be any length sufficient to slide over the lip of the pocket and provide a clamping pressure with the one or more clamp elements against a pocket facing of the pocket (e.g., clamping the pocket facing of the pocket against the pocket post). The clamping pressure may provide friction between the clamp members of the clip and the material of the outer surface of the pocket, preventing the retaining device from sliding out of the pocket, even when inverted. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the length of the clip may be in a range from about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, and preferably in a range from about 1 inch to about 4 inches. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the length of the clip may be approximately equal to the length of the pocket post. In other embodiments, and without limitation, the length of the clip may be substantially less than the length of the pocket post.

The clip may comprise any rigid material strong enough to provide a clamping force against the outer surface of the pocket sufficient to prevent the retaining device from falling out of the pocket while engaged with an article in the pocket while the pocket is upended or inverted. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the clip may comprise at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber material, other rigid materials, or combinations thereof. The clip may also include a high-friction material on the inferior side thereof to prevent slippage of the clamp elements from the pocket facing. The high-friction material may be a rubber, rubber foam material, or other appropriate material.

In some embodiments, and without limitation, the distal end of the clip may comprise a shape which is conducive for sliding over the lip of the pocket without snagging on the lip, and for contacting the outer surface of the pocket in order to provide clamping pressure. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the distal end may comprise a spheroidal, ellipsoidal, or other rounded or tapering shape operable to slide over the lip of the pocket and provide clamping pressure against the outer surface of the pocket. In other embodiments, and without limitation, the clamping end may comprise at least one of a tapered, chamfered, and beveled edge for sliding over the lip of the pocket, and an extension or protuberance extending toward the pocket post for providing clamping pressure against the outer surface of the pocket.

The proximal end of the clip may be located opposite the distal end and may be connected to the proximal end of the pocket post. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the proximal end of the clip may be integral with the proximal end of the pocket post. In other embodiments, and without limitation, the proximal end may be mechanically attached to the pocket post. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the proximal end of the clip may comprise a lateral extension mechanically attached to the hook. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the proximal end of the clip may be attached to the pocket post via at least one of a welding, a soldering, a rivet, a pin, a screw, a clip, a tab and slot, an adhesive, heat fusion, magnets, or other device or method of mechanically joining parts together.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, the retaining device comprising a pocket post operable to be inserted into a pocket of a garment; a clip having a proximal end attached to a proximal end of said pocket post, wherein said clip is substantially parallel to said pocket post and spaced apart by a pre-determined distance, and said clip is operable to be positioned on the exterior of the pocket facing while the pocket post is inserted into the pocket; and a retainer hook connected to a proximal portion of said pocket post and facing away from said clip, such that the hook faces toward the interior of the pocket. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the pocket post comprises a first end having a leading edge, and a second end comprising said retaining hook. The leading edge may include at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel. The hook may include an extension and a curved distal end. The article may be a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the clip comprises a distal end having at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel. The clip may include a first clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said first clamping element pinches the fabric of said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. The clip may include a second clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said second clamping element pinches said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a retaining device for securing a mobile computing device in a pocket of a garment, said retaining device comprising a pocket post having a distal end for inserting into said pocket, a clip for providing clamping pressure against pocket facing of said pocket and securing said device in said pocket, and a hook for engaging an edge of said mobile computing device in order to prevent said mobile computing device from falling out of said pocket. The clip may include a first clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said first clamping element pinches the fabric of said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. The clip may further include a second clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said second clamping element pinches said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. The hook may include an extension and a curved distal end.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for securing an article in a pocket, the method comprising the steps of providing a retaining device having (i) a pocket post having a distal end for inserting into said pocket, (ii) a clip for providing clamping pressure against pocket facing of said pocket and securing said device in said pocket, and (iii) a hook for engaging an edge of said article in order to prevent said article from falling out of said pocket; inserting said pocket post into said pocket and positioning said clip on the exterior of the pocket facing, such that the pocket facing is grips said pocket facing between said clip and said pocket post to secure said retaining device on said pocket; and engaging said hook with said article. The article may be a mobile computing device. The step of engaging said hook with said article may include placing said hook over an upper edge of the mobile computing device. The distal edge of said pocket post may include at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel. The hook may include an extension and a curved distal end. The clip may include a distal end having at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel. The clip may include a first clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said first clamping element pinches the fabric of said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket. The clip may further include a second clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said second clamping element pinches said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.

Further objects and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the description provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a method of using a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a front view of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C shows a side view of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a side view and a perspective view of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a side view and a perspective view of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of a leading edge of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of a leading edge of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows a side view of a leading edge of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D shows a side view of a leading edge of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of a clip of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a side view of a clip of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C shows a side view of a clip of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D shows a side view of a clip of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of a retaining device for securing an article in a pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these figures and certain implementations and examples of the embodiments, it will be understood that such implementations and examples are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. References to various features of the “present invention” throughout this document do not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced features. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or features.

Reference will be made to the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, and like reference characters may be used to designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

The present invention may provide a retaining device 100 for securing an article 101 in a pocket 102. As seen in FIG. 1A-1C, the retaining device may comprise a pocket post 110, a hook 120, and a clip 130. The pocket post 110 may comprise a substantially planar body having a first end 111 a and a second end 111 b. The body may comprise a polygonal cross-section (e.g., a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, etc.). The length of the pocket post 110 may be approximately the same as a length of the article 101 (e.g., a smart phone). The pocket post 110 may comprise a metal or other rigid material and may be strong enough to be inserted into the pocket 102, pushed past any folds or wrinkles in the material of the pocket 102, and hold the weight of the article 101 in the pocket 102.

The first end 111 a may comprise a leading edge 112 having a shape conducive for being inserted between an article 101 and the lip 103 of the pocket 102, or between a proximal surface 104 (see FIG. 1C) of the pocket 102 and the lip 103 of the pocket 102. The leading edge 112 may comprise a rounded shape (e.g., semicircular, hemispherical, ellipsoidal or other rounded edge, see FIG. 3A). In other embodiments, the leading edge may comprise a tapered shaped 212, a chamfered edge 312 or a beveled edge 412.

The second end 111 b may be located opposite the first end 111 a and may comprise the hook 120. The hook 120 may comprise an extension 121 and a curved end 125, the extension 121 having an inner surface for engaging with an edge 101 a of the article 101, and the curved end 125 being operable to wrap around the edge 101 a of the article 101 to prevent the hook 120 from slipping laterally off of the article 101. The inner surface of the extension 121 may comprise a flat or planar shape. The hook 120 may be integral with the pocket post 110 (e.g., the second end 111 b of the pocket post 110 is bent into a 90-degree or substantially 90-degree angle) and may comprise the same material as the pocket post 110.

The clip 130 may comprise a substantially planar body having a distal end 131 and an attachment end 132, and may be long enough to slide over the lip 103 of the pocket 102 and provide a clamping pressure against an outer surface 104 of the pocket 102 (see FIG. 1C). The clamping pressure may pinch the material of the outer surface 104 of the pocket 102 between the clip 130 and the pocket post 110, preventing the retaining device 100 from sliding out of the pocket 102. The length of the clip 130 may be substantially less than the length of the pocket post 110, and may comprise the same material as the pocket post 110.

The distal end 131 may comprise a rounded shape which is conducive for sliding over the lip 103 of the pocket without snagging on the lip 103, and conducive for contacting the outer surface 104 of the pocket 102 in order to provide clamping pressure and friction against the outer surface 104. The distal end 131 may comprise clamping element 133, a rounded protuberance, extending toward the pocket post 110 for providing clamping pressure against the outer surface 104 of the pocket 102. The clip may also comprise clamping element 134 located between the clamping element 133 and the attachment end 132 of the clip 130 for providing a second clamping force and further friction against the outer surface 104 of the pocket 102. The distal end 131 may comprise at least one of an oblong spheroid shape 145 (see FIG. 4A), a tapered shape 245, a chamfered edge 345, and a beveled edge 445.

The attachment end 132 may be located opposite the distal end 131 and may be mechanically attached to the second end 111 b of the pocket post 110. The attachment end 132 may be mechanically attached to the pocket post 110 at the hook 120 via a rivet 135.

As seen in FIG. 2A, the retaining device 200 may comprise a clip 230 having a substantially flat cross-section (e.g., a substantially rectangular cross-section with a width greater than a height). The extension 221 of the hook 220 may comprise a medial catch 222 on the inner surface, the medial catch 222 being a downwardly extending tab operable to intercalate the edges of two different articles. The medial catch 222 may comprise a pointed profile with concave sides.

In another embodiment (see FIG. 2B), the retaining device 300 may comprise a clip 330 having a substantially circular cross-section at the distal end 331 and a substantially flat cross-section at the attachment end 332.

In some embodiments, the retainer device may be operable to use a pen or other elongate article in the place of the pocket post. For example, FIGS. 5A-5B show a retaining device 400 that includes a hook 422 connected to a clip 430, with a connecting bar 425 in between the clip 430 and the hook 422, where the connecting bar 425 has a receiver 426 therein for receiving and grasping a proximal or distal end of an elongate object 450 (e.g., a pen) that may function as a pocket post. The receiver 426 may be an opening in the connecting bar 425, which may be lined with a compressible, high friction material 426 a, such as a rubber or flexible foam liner that effectively grips the exterior surface of the elongate object. In some embodiments, the retaining device 400 may include a collar 426 b that protrudes from the receiver 426 to create more surface area contact with the exterior surface of the elongate object 450. The collar 426 b may be flexible to allow for some accommodation of variation in the shapes of elongate objects.

It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

1. An retainer device for securing an article in a pocket, the retaining device comprising: a. a pocket post operable to be inserted into a pocket of a garment; b. a clip having a proximal end mechanically connected to a proximal end of said pocket post, wherein said clip is substantially parallel to said pocket post and spaced apart by a pre-determined distance, c. at least one clamping element narrowing a distance between said pocket post and said clip for pinching and holding said pocket between said pocket post and said clip; and d. a rigid retainer structure connected to a proximal portion of said pocket post for retaining a smart phone and protruding about orthogonally from said pocket post, such that the retainer structure faces toward the interior of the pocket when said at least one clamping element is engaged with an exterior surface of said pocket, said rigid retainer having a length that is greater than a width of a smart phone and a shallow hook structure at its distal end for engaging a back or front side of said smart phone.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said pocket post comprises a first end having a leading edge, and a second end mechanically connected to said retaining structure.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said leading edge comprises at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said hook structure has an extension and a curved distal end.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The device of claim 2, wherein said clip comprises a distal end having at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said at least one clamping element pinches the fabric of said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein said retainer device further comprises a second clamping element protruding from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said second clamping element pinches said pocket facing against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.
 9. A retaining device for securing a mobile computing device in a pocket of a garment, said retaining device comprising a clip and at least one clamping element for providing clamping pressure against an exterior surface of pocket of said pocket and securing said device in said pocket, and rigid retainer structure having a rigid protruding extension and a hook for engaging an edge of said mobile computing device in order to prevent said mobile computing device from falling out of said pocket.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said retaining device further includes a receiver for connecting to an elongate structure, wherein said clip is operable to compress said pocket facing between said at least one clamping element and said elongate structure.
 11. The device of claim 9, further comprising a pocket post having a distal end for inserting into said pocket.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said at least one clamping element protrudes from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said at least one clamping element pinches the fabric of said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.
 13. The device of claim 9, further comprises a second clamping element operable to pinch said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, further preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.
 14. (canceled)
 15. A method for securing an article in a pocket, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a retaining device having i. a pocket post having a distal end for inserting into said pocket, ii. at least one clamping element for providing clamping pressure against pocket facing of said pocket and securing said device in said pocket, and iii. a rigid retainer structure for engaging and retaining an edge of a smart phone in order to prevent said article from falling out of said pocket, wherein said rigid retainer structure protrudes about orthogonally from said pocket post, and said rigid retainer has a length that is greater than a width of a smart phone and a shallow hook structure at its distal end for engaging a back or front side of said smart phone; b. inserting said pocket post into said pocket and positioning such that said at least one clamping element applies pressure on an exterior surface of said pocket, such that the retaining device is secured to said pocket; and c. engaging said retainer structure with said smart phone, said smart phone being located within said pocket.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of engaging said retainer structure with said article comprises placing said retainer structure over an upper edge of the smart phone.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein said distal edge of said pocket post comprises at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein said hook structure has a curved distal end.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein said retaining device includes a clip having a distal end having at least one of a rounded shape, a taper, a chamfer, and a bevel, and said at least one clamping element forms a portion of said clip.
 21. The method of claim 15, further comprising a clip and said at least one clamping element protrudes from said clip toward said pocket post, such that said at least one clamping element pinches the fabric of said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.
 22. The method of claim 15, wherein said retaining device further comprises a second clamping element, such that said second clamping element pinches said exterior surface of said pocket against said pocket post, preventing movement of said retaining device relative to said pocket.
 23. The device of claim 1, wherein said shallow hook is rigid and has a soft curving structure.
 24. The device of claim 9, wherein said hook is rigid and has a soft curving structure.
 25. The device of claim 10, wherein said elongate device is a pen, stylus, or pencil. 